I went with my wife and USJ Zhineng chi gong friends for a 10D7N holidaying in Turkey via SA Tour (Sri America Travel) from 12-22 October 2019. Overall, it was a good trip. Here are my observations:
The road – most of the roads are dual-carriage way, similar to our PLUS Highway; but the condition is much better with the smooth tar road and very little bumpy ride;
The bus – the Mercedes bus was an excellent transporter, very comfortable ride and it is twice the height of a normal person. The first few days involved many hours of travelling in the bus; hence, a good vehicle is the better choice;
Hotels – the rooms are big and clean, very comfortable stay ...
Do CLICK HERE to view 290 photos (with captions) courtesy of yours truly (KC Leong).
Hot Air Balloon ride at Cappadocia
Food – most of the time, we ate in the hotels for buffet breakfast and dinner; lunch in the restaurants at the R&R area of the highway. All salad dressing used olive oil and vinegar. Overall, food is Ok.
Walking on the street (at the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar of Istanbul) – I felt that Turkey is a safe place to walk on the street.
People on the street – Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures for people from other countries to come here; so, it is not easy to distinguish the nationality from the way they dressed.
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Museum
Religion – they are Muslim at birth but only 10% practise the Islamic way; most people there are modern thinking.
Our Tour Guide – Mr Metin is a Muslim; he told us a true story: when his good friend passed away, he went to pay the last respect. He was surprised to see that a priest was there for the funeral wake. He then realised that the person whom he has spent many years as his good friend was a Christine. He said Turkish people respect other people' religions.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia – We missed our chance because of unfavourable wind condition forecasted for the following morning. We were then put in the waiting list joining the subsequent day's group; and later, we were informed that vacant slots were not available. Though the ride is not cheap - at USD 230 per person - but the black market rate for those wanting to ride is USD 400 to USD 500!
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia – We missed our chance because of unfavourable wind condition forecasted for the following morning. We were then put in the waiting list joining the subsequent day's group; and later, we were informed that vacant slots were not available. Though the ride is not cheap - at USD 230 per person - but the black market rate for those wanting to ride is USD 400 to USD 500!
The site of ancient TROY
Istanbul New Airport – opened in April 2019, it is one of the most modern and largest airports in the world. The check-in process was fully automated, fast and with a new concept: usually, the officials are behind the counter, but in this airport, they are with the passengers. The boarding gate waiting areas are spacious and with comfortable chairs; passengers can even lie down to sleep. Compare to our KLIA airport, passengers have to travel to the satellite building via the Aerotrain; but with the new concept in design, aerotrain is not needed.
Cherries – according to tour guide, the trip in 1 June will see an abundance of cherries being sold by farmers along the road.
Cherries – according to tour guide, the trip in 1 June will see an abundance of cherries being sold by farmers along the road.
Asklepion – an ancient Temple of Healing
(front, left: KL Tan, Frankie Yap, Eunice, Alice, Annie, KC Leong)
(front, left: KL Tan, Frankie Yap, Eunice, Alice, Annie, KC Leong)
Other than the main photos below, the other activities/ places that we have visited (photos in the album above) were:
Boat transfer from Instanbul to Canakkale (together with the big bus);
House of Virgin Mary – people believed that Virgin Mary lived here with St john towards the end of her life;
Sirince Village – an old Orthodox village which claimed to be the only surviving place for 2012 dooms day;
Sultanhani Caravanserai – an ancient inn and rest stop for the Silk Road travellers in the olden days;
Ephesus – an ancient Greek city that was regarded as the most important and largest centre of the old Mediterranean world
Underground city of Cardak – once a place of refuge for 15,000 Christians;
Avanos pottery village;
Goreme Open Air Museum – fascinating rock-hewn Churches;
500-year-old Grand Bazaar – for souvenirs, local products and handicrafts;
Lunch at Kumkapi for grilled fish meal – in the evening, a happening place where there is performance in most of the restaurants;
Taksim Square – a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shopping and hotels.
Cotton Castle – white travertine terrace formed over thousands of years
Obruk – a sinkhole lake where water is used for irrigation of crops
Turkish Belly Dance show
Rock castle and the magnificent view of the Cappadocia landscape, which is well known for its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities and cave churches
Caves Hotel at Cappadocia
Salt Lake
Ataturk Mausoleum – dedicated to the 1st President of modern Turkey
Bosphorus Cruise at Istanbul – get a good view of the long strait between Asia and Europe linking the Black Sea and Marmara Sea
Spice Bazaar for delightful dried fruits and spices, and Lokum (candy) shop for traditional Turkish delight tasting
Posted by KC Leong
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